Two-a-days have started in high school football programs all over the United States, and the heat is starting to play a factor. Houston has seen a heat advisory warning for the past week, and though we may get annoyed with the constant rain, it would now be a refreshing change.

High schools are trying to avoid the heat, starting two-a-days at 8:00 a.m. and then the second practice starting around 4:00 p.m. or later but the players are still being affected by the heat. There have already been several heat exhaustion cases throughout the Houston area where players have been rushed to the hospital.

With a high around 100 degrees it can feel up to 106 degrees or higher on the field and even a hydrated body will start to slow down. The schools and coaches have taken several precautions, but the individual players need to be aware of the signs.

Common signs of heat exhaustion are heavy perspiration, skin that may be cool and pale or flushed, headache, dizziness, elevated temperature, rapid pulse, nausea and vomiting, weakness, bright yellow urine or inability to urinate, and cramping.

Preventative measures for heat exhaustion include drinking a quart of fluid for every pound of body fluid you lose during exercise, drink water at least every 15 minutes on hot, humid days, replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat, wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, put on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, rest in cool, shaded areas with some air movement removing helmet, and rest for 15-30 minutes during workouts of one hour.

With the football season approaching, the players will continue two-a-days, but there is no need for any heat-related incidents to occur if athletes and coaches take the proper precautions.

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